Assistant Town Accountant

Position Purpose

Representing the Town and its organizational mission, the Assistant Town Accountant supports the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of municipal financial operations. This position plays a vital role in ensuring accurate accounting, reliable financial reporting, exercising discretion and strong internal controls that safeguard public resources.

Working collaboratively with departments, vendors, auditors, and financial advisors, the Assistant Town Accountant helps maintain the Town’s fiscal health by providing clear information, dependable service, and meticulous record keeping. Aligned with the Town’s shared commitments, including communication, accountability, reliability, and mutual respect, the individual in this role is expected to actively model a professional, solutions-oriented approach that strengthens public trust and supports a high-functioning municipal team.

Through consistent follow-through and financial stewardship, the Assistant Town Accountant contributes directly to organizational excellence, informed decision-making, and the Town’s long-term financial sustainability.

Supervision

Reports to: Town Accountant/Financial Services Coordinator

Supervises: No direct supervisory responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(The functions or duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Assists the Town Accountant in performing accounting, administrative, and financial related duties.
• Assists in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the Town’s operating budget, including recording and tracking expenditures.
• Analyzes departmental budget balances and provides staff with updated expenditure reports.
• Receives and proofs cash disbursements and receipts; verifies correct account coding and supporting documentation.
• Calculates encumbrances, verifies expenditures, and ensures appropriate account usage and notifies the Town Accountant of any concerns or issues.
• Processing the annual 1099 IRS forms for the Town’s vendors, uploading data to the IRS and assists vendors with questions or replacement requests.
• Maintains the Accounting Department office supplies and re-orders office supplies with approval from the Town Accountant.
• Prepares Purchase Orders, obtains invoices from vendors and submits invoices for payment for Accounting Department expenses as well as preparation and submittal of Purchase Order Holdover Reports annually.
• Handles mail and interoffice correspondence for the Accounting Department.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, RECEIVABLE & RECONCILIATIONS

• Audits, processes, and reconciles accounts payable for the Town, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payments.
• Works independently to audit invoices, maintain vendor and purchase order numbers in preparation for weekly accounts payable warrants.
• Processes voided checks in Munis as well as reissues for stale dated or lost checks.
• Assists in reconciliation of outstanding receivables, cash reconciliation and withholding account reconciliation in collaboration with the Treasurer/Collector’s Office resolving discrepancies with clarity and professionalism.
• Coordinates with vendors, auditors, and departments to address questions, maintain accuracy, and support timely financial operations.
• Researches invoice discrepancies and returned checks to determine appropriate action and communicates with employees and vendors.

CAPITAL ASSETS, INVENTORY & REPORTING

• Assists with audit preparation, financial reporting, and related schedules.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT, COMPLIANCE & INTERNAL CONTROLS

• Maintains confidential financial records in accordance with municipal, state, and federal requirements.
• Ensures that all work aligns with Massachusetts General Laws, UMAS, GASB, and established finance procedures.
• Applies strong internal controls in daily work to protect Town assets, reinforce financial accountability, and support transparent public reporting.
• Supports compliance reviews, audit requests, and improvements to financial policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Responsible for filing and record management of the Accounting Department, as well as archiving records and reviewing archived records annually in accordance with Massachusetts Record Retention laws and assisting in requests for permission of outdated record destruction from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

SERVICE, COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees, vendors, financial advisors, DLS Field Representative, and auditors when handling financial questions or requests.
• Models the Town’s shared commitments by demonstrating professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, and a consistent commitment to accuracy and service.
• Offers the Town Accountant recommendations and/or updates to forms, communications, instructional materials, and benefits resources to improve clarity and access.

EFFICIENCY, TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION & PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

• Operates and maintains accounting systems and municipal finance software; recommends system or workflow enhancements to strengthen accuracy and efficiency.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline tasks, modernize financial processes, and reduce manual data entry.
• Supports the development and updating of internal procedures, forms, templates, and financial communications.
• Works across departments to promote consistent use of financial tools, forms, and systems.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience in municipal accounting or public-sector finance preferred.
• Experience in the areas of accounting, bookkeeping, banking and cash reconciliation preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of MUNIS software preferred.
• Requires thorough knowledge of Massachusetts laws relating to municipal finance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of UMAS, Massachusetts General Laws, GASB, municipal finance procedures, and internal control standards.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Ability to prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, and maintain precise records.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.
• Strong customer-service orientation with the ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to employees and vendors.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and MUNIS or other similar municipal finance software; ability to learn new financial systems.
• Commitment to equity, respectful service, and upholding the Town’s shared commitments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a typical office setting.
• Ability to sit, use hands, talk, and listen for extended periods; occasional standing, walking, reaching, or lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Uses standard office equipment including computers, calculators, printers, and copiers.
• Errors in financial work may result in delays, financial loss, or negative public relations; accuracy and judgment are essential.
• Frequent interaction with Town staff, auditors, and vendors requiring courtesy, clarity, and professionalism.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

(This position’s description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position’s duties change.)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: hr@townofgbma.gov by March 20, 2026 for first-round consideration.

About the Town of Great Barrington

The Town of Great Barrington is committed to public service excellence, fiscal responsibility, and supporting the people who serve our community. Guided by our mission and shared commitments including communication, accountability, reliability, and mutual respect, the Town strives to foster a professional, inclusive, and employee-centered workplace.

Town of Great Barrington is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and contributing to the protection of our environment.

Pay: $57,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $57,000 - $62,000